act1lock

Stop stretching the truth when the Doctor's here! You were looking everywhere the whole time you were walking, trying to make small talk, and then you even disappeared from the bridge while I wasn't paying attention.

Of course. We mustn't miss any opportunity to meet another warrior.

Humans are always going on with our lives at a breakneck pace. If language could help us connect with one another's souls, then even if the connection we make is brief and momentary, I find it much better than to regret not taking the initiative to form the relationships we could have had.

(What is Pallas even saying?);I don't think you two are quite on the same page.;......

Anyway... I have no idea what kind of scenic route you took, but since you've found the Doctor, please finish your mission.

Ahem, the things you gotta do. First, you need to explain to the Doctor all the relevant information about the main theme of this Interlocking Competition, 'Hymnoi Wisdom.'

Secondly, turn in a list of recommended personnel for the competition and to look up whether they will have the time to train and participate in the competition...

My poor, powerless Priestess Pallas. Before, you were shackled by a life of formalities, destined to ever follow the rules as you spend your days away at the temple. Is fate so cruel that you must live your life this way once more?

No, my brave Pallas. Resist! You must be fearless and defy those most tedious rules!

Priestess Pallas... This is serious. Please try to say something that makes sense to the Doctor and me.

*Sobs*... In that case, I must bear with this life, no matter how unwilling I am.

Doctor, if you have any questions about this competition, please ask away without reserve. My words will turn into fowlbeasts of the soul and reach your ears so that your wisdom will be shrouded no more.

Maybe tell me more about the Interlocking Competition.;Thanks.

Yes. Where should we start...? This Interlocking Security Competition takes place in Minos's Hymnoi region.

After all, the concept of the Interlocking Competitions originated in Minos. Since the military training bases in Hymnoi have just received new renovations and refurbishments, the region fulfilled all the requirements to host the competition.

Not only does the competition have a generous prize pool, we can also boost our power. Most importantly...

This competition is limited to private, commercial organizations only, so we needn't worry about the governmental organizations interfering.

Really?

Relax, my wise and cautious Doctor. You will never find any conspiracies in the land of Minos. Those lands are blessed only by noble heroes.

Once you pay it a visit, you will experience how the people of Minos hold such competitive spirit in high regard, as opposed to the cruel wars of profit fought elsewhere.

With Minos returning to its greatest, there is no greatest spirit that for us to spread across the leads, no peace to further stabilize amidst such turmoil.

All... except Corinia.

Of course, there are those who make compromises for commercial trade.

That being said, warrior from Corinia. Haven't you already put your innocent heart to good use here in Rhodes Island?

Yeah.

Let us waste no more time, Doctor. We have much to prepare.

Whether it is the planning and preparations of our personnel and our tactics or the maintenance and allocations of our equipment, they must all be completed before we leave.

Pallas, how good do you think the odds are for Rhodes Island?

You needn't worry, Doctor.

The Priestess Pallas stands before you. I came here to Rhodes Island because of the guidance of heroes, and I am representing Rhodes Island in this competition—

I understand Rhodes Island's strength. We, the warriors of Rhodes Island, will obtain all that we desire.

Odds... Doctor, those numbers and statistics are illusory and meaningless.

After all, we determine the odds. We are the key to our success and victory.

结尾avg

'The trumpets of victory have sounded—'

'The wills of heroes will be carried on by each and every brave soul here!'

Sounds like they're having a huge celebration outside, Pallas.

Look at you pulling such a long face like we lost this competition miserably. We are on the winning side, and we actually won medals, you know?

Warrior of Corinia... *Sobs*... I'm not saddened for myself.

Yeah, I know... With the way you are, you can't show yourself in public yet.

Pallas clenches her fist a little. After pondering a little, she sighs and nods in admission.

To be honest, when they first asked me to take on this mission, I didn't really understand at all.

I didn't get why they had me keep an eye on you, to prevent any 'accidents' from happening around you... and even to prevent you from causing any 'accidents' yourself.

Warrior Sideroca, certainly you have already come to understand the meaning hidden therein?

Right. That's because... There are a lot of Infected among Rhodes Island's participants.

Out of all the participating organizations, we're the only ones who hire Infected as regular operators.

Not only was our movement greatly limited, they basically kept us confined in the competition venue almost all of the time.

For the Infected operators who are visiting Minos for the first time, that is also the only part of the place they were allowed to see.

Right... The unbendable rules and the prejudice of the people here. They are so painfully vexing.

So you did all you could to get Rhodes Island to join this competition because you wanted... change?

*Sobs*...

Warrior, I may have personally participated in situations big and small, but there are still words that make me feel ashamed if I am to say them.

What is there to be ashamed of?

I-I am sure you know, but even though I came back to my homeland with high hopes, inevitably I had moments when I felt sentimental and my emotions overwhelmed.

Neither Minos nor Rhodes Island shall tolerate me stepping out of line too much.

Therefore... Just as you said, I have long come to the realization deep in my heart that I have reached the deepest parts that Minos permits me to.

Though we are in Hymnoi, one of its most remote regions, the souls and will of the fabled heroes rest in this mountain still. To be able to fight unrestrained here holds deep significance for me.

Are you sure you really don't have any other ways...?

Just as you managed to wake yourself from the capitalistic dreams forged by Corinia, when I look back at Minos now, perhaps what I see is a beautiful yet absurd dream.

Did you enjoy this competition?

Of course. I am a Minoan too. You can't snuff out that competitive spirit in me.

Haha... Brave warrior, there are no words that gratify me more than those you just spoke.